Football Preview: Alabama A&M
SWAC.org
ALABAMA A&M
2012 RECORD: 7-4 (6-3 SWAC) / 3rd - East Division
Head Coach: Anthony Jones
KEY LOSSES:
DeAunte Mason - QB
Kaderius Lacey - RB
Jamaal Johnson-Webb - OL
Bobby Goldsby - TE
Vernon Marshall - DB
Preston Nelson - DL
STARTERS RETURNING:
Offense: 5
Defense: 6
Special Teams: 1
Anthony Jones, the dean of SWAC coaches, faces a mammoth rebuilding job as he enters his 12th season at Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs lost 23 seniors from a squad that won the first six games and was ranked No. 1 among HBCUs. Their toughest losses were on offense.
Jones must replace Deaunte Mason, a four-year starter at quarterback, and running back Kaderius Lacey, the league's leading rusher in 2012.
Brandon Wells, Chris Leachmen, Kyle Harmyk and Jaymason Lee are vying to replace Mason. Neither has taken a snap in a Division I game. Lacey's spot will be filled by committee with Brandon Eldemire and Brendon Johnson sharing the load. The receiving corps, led by Montaurius Smith (receptions leader last season), G’Alonzo Milton and Rashaad DeJarnett, is the strength of the offense.
If the quarterbacks are capable of getting the ball to receivers while operating behind a line that lost three all-conference performers, then AAMU could generate more offense than expected.
Defensive linemen Reginald Bailey, Corey Johnson and Phillip Harvey give the Bulldogs their front after playing as reserves. The secondary will be solid, providing Jeremy Isabelle is able to fill Vernon Marshall’s shoes at strong safety and A.J. Clark, a converted quarterback, continues to develop at free safety.
Preview Courtesy of Roscoe Nance
2013 PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Kyle Harmyk - QB
Montarius Smith - WR
Reshaad DeJarnett - WR
Justin Goodrich - OL
Reginald Bailey - DL
Corey Johnson - DL
Jeremy Isabelle - LB
Derrick Harris - DB
A.J. Clark - DB